The Inca ruins of Pisac lie atop a mountain in the Sacred Valley, above well-preserved temple rooms and agricultural terraces that sweep down 600 meters, or some 2,000 feet, to a bustling Andean village.
The ancient Inca laid out the temple fortress over the mountaintop in the form of a partridge.
Below, in the village of Pisac, located beside the Urubamba River, thousands of visitors ply the stalls of local venders every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in one of South America’s most famous outdoor indigenous markets.
Pisac is famous for its arts, craft and food market that takes over the town, and for the ruins of a fortress that stands on a high ridge nearby. It marks the starting point of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Travelers can either drive up to the ruins, or climb a steep footpath that starts at the main plaza of the village. Upon reaching the top, you will find the ruins have overlooks to deep gorges.
Driving in from Cusco, you can see the white awnings that spread all over town for Market Day, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.